THE CHARTER OF
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
BRINGS TOGETHER ALL THE
PERSONAL, CIVIC, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS ENJOYED BY PEOPLE WITHIN THE EU IN A SINGLE TEXT.
The fundamental rights of every human being are being threatened in these years. We see this in Europe, as everywhere in the world. According to Freedom House, the number of democracies in the world is declining, and Europe is not an exception. Especially LGBT-rights, rights for vulnerable groups, rule of law, freedom of speech and freedom of association are under attack in several member states. The rule of law and human rights are basic elements within the European Unions, but those values are being threatened. In 2025 we are celebrating 25 years of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. However very few people know about the Charter and that we have common values which need to be protected. Therefore, we need to raise awareness about our fundamental rights and increase the support for democratic values.
COMMON EU RIGHTS AND VALUES
The rights of every individual in the EU were established at different times, in different ways and in different forms.
For this reason, the EU decided to include them all in a single document, which has been updated in the light of changes in society, social progress and scientific and technological developments.
It covers:
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All the rights found in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU
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The rights and freedoms enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights
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Other rights and principles resulting from the common constitutional traditions of EU countries and other international instruments.
The Charter has become legally binding on the EU with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009